Notes on Buying a New Uniform

By: Andrew Jerram

Aside from the rifle, a new uniform is the most costly purchase for a reenactor. I have recently ordered a new uniform, so I thought I would detail some of the notes and experiences that I have learned.

I decided that since I am about done growing, I was going to purchase a good, high quality uniform. Finding a reasonably priced uniform that was historically correct was no small task. Here is a good way to go about it.

  1. Decide on the impression you want. The 53rd Geo. was an Army of Northern Virginia unit. This means that it was primarily equipped by the depot in Richmond. Accordingly, jackets of this type are known as Richmond Depot Jackets. However, most of the events we do, (Clinton, Resaca, Olustee, and such) would have been fought by western armies. These units were outfitted by several clothing and equipment depots such as the one at Columbus, Mobile, Atlanta, Milledgeville, and others. So what kind of uniform is best? It is for you to decide. I decide on a more western jacket since I want to do living history at some local sites.
  2. What kind of jacket? For Mid-war in the ANV, a Richmond depot II would be best. These were made of jean cloth, or in some cases broadcloth, (regular 100%wool.) Jean cloth would have been most common though. A RDII had epaulettes, (shoulder loops) which were non-functional, meaning the button was sewn through the fabric. They also had belt loops which were sewn at both ends (No buttons.) Buttons probably would have been plain "I" block buttons. Some state buttons might have been present. Wood buttons were not very common on RDII jackets. All should have cotton linings and an inside breast pocket. Machine stitching was prevalent except for the button holes, which were hand stitched. Jackets usually didn't have any trim.

    3. For a mid to late war western impression, a very common jacket was the Columbus Depot jacket. It was made of gray jean-cloth with blue (not French or federal blue) trim in flat lines (no triangular trim) on the cuff and collar. Buttons could have been "I" buttons or wooden buttons. Other jackets include the Mobile Depot, Milledgeville, or Atlanta Depot. If you would like to look for one of these styles, drop me a line to have me look for a vendor.

  3. As for trousers, they are very simple. The only major differences between Western

And ANV trousers that I can see by simple observation is that ANV trousers fastened in the back with a buckle closure while AOT trousers used a strap w\ two buttons. Also, most Confederate pants had "mule ear" pockets, which had small flaps on the front of the pants. Federal pants by contrast had side seam pockets. Also Federal pants would have been limited to the ANV most of the time. They were very rare in the AOT and even in the ANV they should be used less then they are now because pants wore through so quickly and because depot re-issues were more common by far then opportunities to scavenge.

 

Why should we look for a better uniform? Simply, it will help our impression more than any one thing we can do. In addition, the higher quality uniforms last longer. The 1st Sgt. did his research for a maker for his last uniform. The cost was about $70 more for the entire uniform, but the bonus is that while it has weathered, the make and fabric shows little or no wear in vital areas such as button holes and between the legs. This is after 2 years of heavy wear including the Red River Campaign. By contrast, we have all had a uniform that "pills up" between the legs and frays quickly. If you are looking to purchase a new uniform, have it custom made. Most of these vendors at small events use Pakistani elves to mass manufacture cheap uniforms. I have included a list of some good vendors to start looking. If you have access to a PC, do some research online. I'm not going to guarantee any of these vendors, but they all have a good bit of experience. The first three are probably best, but Jarnagin's are okay if you hand-sew the button-holes.

Don Roder ( Made 1st Sgt.'s RDII)

Cotton City Tailors (This is where I'm got mine from)

Call 334-666-2792 for swatches and pricelist

NOTE: She has a cloth that is very similar to the 53rd Geo. uniform painted by Don Troiani. Ask for Gray # 5 jean

 

Mrs. Eddins' Emporium

186 Hayes Circle

Rex, GA 30273

C&D Jarnagin ( you will have to hand sew the button-holes)

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